Fuel Poverty

You are in Fuel Poverty if you are spending more than 10% of your household income on heating your home.

Recent increases in energy prices mean that more households might be suffering from fuel poverty, which can damage the health of those living in cold homes and affects their quality of life. The old, children, and those who are disabled or have a long-term illness are especially vulnerable.

There are a number of ways that households can reduce their heating costs and stay warmer;

Fitting insulation - there are grants available to all for assistance with loft and cavity wall insulation

Switching energy supplier - you could get a cheaper deal elsewhere

Improving your heating system - there may be grants available if you are on a low income, or claiming certain benefits.

Help with Fuel bills and support for Home Repairs

Grants up to £300 are available for vulnerable individuals/families facing fuel poverty to contribute towards future heating costs. Grants for electricity, gas and oil will be paid direct to the energy supplier.

Support for Home Repairs

In addition many people who apply for heating grants have problems with their homes such as leaking radiators, broken windows. Small grants for older people (over 65 years) and over the age of 18 living with a disability are also available to address these issues.

You can now cut energy wastage and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in your home by borrowing an energy consumption meter from Ely library.

The meters connect to your household electricity supply and provide information on your household electricity use. They can help to encourage efficient behaviour by highlighting energy intensive appliances and the live cost of the electricity being used.

Carbon emissions from homes currently account for around one quarter of the UK's annual carbon dioxide emissions, with each home producing around six tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from electricity consumption.

Where energy meters have been used elsewhere in the UK, householders have typically saved between five and fifteen per cent of their annual electricity bill.

The meters are available for free, on a two week loan from: Ely, Cambridge Central, Huntingdon, March, St Ives, St Neots and Wisbech (once opened) libraries. The scheme is being run by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Your meter also comes with a home energy guide, providing hints and tips on how to avoid wasting energy in your home.